THE PREVALENCE OF SIDE-EFFECTS WITH REGULAR AND SUSTAINED-RELEASE NICOTINIC-ACID

PURPOSE: TO document the prevalence and nature of the side effects tha t occur with the use of regular and sustained-release nicotinic acid i n everyday clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and te n patients seen in a private medical clinic who were given 133 separat e trials of nicotinic acid during a 5-year period. The occurrence of s ide effects, particularly those severe enough to warrant discontinuing the drug, were carefully monitored. RESULTS: Forty-three percent of i ndividuals given regular nicotinic acid and 42% of those given sustain ed-release nicotinic acid were forced to discontinue the medication be cause of side effects; some of these side effects necessitating discon tinuing nicotinic acid did not occur until the patient had been taking the drug for 1 or 2 years. CONCLUSION: Nicotinic acid in both regular and sustained-release forms is a powerful drug when used in doses nee ded to treat lipid disorders and causes disturbing side effects a very high percentage of the time. No one should use nicotinic acid in thes e doses without continued careful supervision of a physician.